Taser used to stop Cedar Rapids shoplifting suspect

Police used a Taser to stop a man who allegedly stole shoes at Lindale Mall on Monday morning.

The brief chase came to an abrupt end around 11:45 a.m. in the parking lot of Genghis Grill, 5001 First Ave. SE. Police said the man stole at least one pair of shoes, and possibly two, from Famous Footwear at the mall.

Officer Harvey Caldwell said the man cut through parking lots at a swift pace and crossed First Avenue when a police officer spotted him near the Taco Bell. The shoe store had called police with a description of the suspect.

The officer shot the man in the back with a Taser, and it successfully subdued him, Caldwell said.

Police identified the man as 43-year-old Johnnie Williams. Famous Footwear chose not to press charges for the theft, but police said a charge for interference with official acts was pending, because the man ran from officers.

An ambulance responded to the scene to check out Williams, but it appeared he would not need medical attention, police said. He was taken to the Linn County Jail.